Gočárovy domky Building

Welcome to these two wooden buildings, which can act on you as a picturesque and peaceful piece of history in the middle of the green that you are currently walking around. You are standing right in front of Gočárovy domky, a pair of exceptional objects that carry an incredible amount of history and artistic intent. You may find it surprising that these tiny wooden structures have such an important name, but believe me, their presence here is important for understanding Czech cultural heritage. Feel the strange atmosphere where the nature of the zoo is combined with the precise work of one of the largest Czech architects.

Let's go back in time together to understand why these houses were even created. Imagine 1919, the period when the young Czechoslovak Republic was just born and its people were looking for their own unique face. It was at this time that the famous architect Josef Gočár began to work on the design of these structures. But their original purpose was completely different from today's quiet environment. These houses were designed for the needs of the Prague-Kbels airport. In 1920 they were completed and served as important administrative and service objects. It wasn't just an ordinary space for work; In these wooden walls there was a management of the airport, there was an apartment for the administrator, and they also served as waiting rooms for passengers, who then followed with great excitement the first steps of air transport.

Now pay attention to the architecture itself, which is visible on these buildings when looking at their facade. If you look at them more carefully, you'll realize they're not simple wooden cabins. These structures are a masterpiece of national decorativism. This style was very important at the time because it tried to link modern needs with tradition and folk motives. Notice how the architect used elements of folk architecture to inhale the construction of a sense of home and national identity. The key element here is the use of national tricolor colours, which are inconspicuous but very strongly encoded in architecture. This approach was not random; to express the pride of the new state and its cultural roots. The wood, as the main material, gives the whole organic character, which combines the technical function of the airport with the aesthetic beauty of folk art.

But this beauty conservation story could not have evolved without people taking care of these houses at times of crisis. These buildings went a long way from Kbels airport to here. Already in the 1970s, houses were recognized by their historical value and entered in the list of cultural monuments, which provided them with protection from extinction. But the real breakthrough came much later. A few years ago, it was decided that these rare objects must be rescued and placed in a new, dignified environment.

In 2010 one of the most interesting projects in the area of conservation of monuments took place. Under the leadership of Director Miroslav Bobek, a comprehensive reconstruction and subsequent relocation of houses started. Imagine the difficulty - these wooden structures had to be carefully dismantled, renovated and reassembled in the zoo area. Many experts participated in this task, such as Zdeněk Veselovský, Zdeněk Lukeš or Petr Fejk. Their efforts made it possible for these houses to stand right here today and for each of you, like you now, to admire their detailed processing and history that could otherwise be forgotten.

If you're looking for something that really surprises you, think about how these houses survived. It's basically a miracle that we managed to preserve such fine wooden structures from the early 20th century. Most of the similar objects from that time either died due to the development of technology or were gradually demolished. However, these houses were not just buildings; were a symbol of an era where people began to move through the air and when architecture tried to answer the question of who we were. The fact that airport facilities have become part of the zoo is a fascinating example of how history can adapt to new needs without losing its soul.

Now that you know their secrets and know what's behind them, I suggest you look at them again with a new perspective. Feel the harmony between their historical origins and their current location. They are living proof that even a small wooden house can carry great importance for the whole company.

Thank you for spending this moment with us and paying attention to Gočár's houses. We hope this view of the past has brought you new experiences. We wish you a beautiful and inspiring walk through the rest of the zoo. Explore everything the way offers and enjoy every moment in this beautiful environment. Goodbye.